The ship capsized within a 30,000-square-mile zone that is designated a sanctuary for marine mammals, and Italian government officials and environmentalists are worried that rough seas may further damage the ship and cause a fuel leak. Company officials said that so far all of the ship's 17 tanks are intact.

Mike Lacey, secretary general of the International Salvage Union, a trade group, said the salvage workers' task would be a little easier because most of the fuel is diesel, which is relatively light and will not have to be warmed before pumping. "It's not as bad as heavy fuel, but it can still make a mess," he said.

About Paul Tosto

Paul Tosto writes the Big Story Blog for MPR News. He joined the
newsroom in 2008 after more than 20 years reporting on education,
politics and the economy for news wires and newspapers across the
country.